Now Commenting On:

Slimmed down Cahill shows off speed

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- D-backs right-hander Trevor Cahill shed close to 15 pounds during the offseason in the hopes of being able to maintain his stamina during the season.

Wednesday, the distance running he did during the offseason paid off as he won a five-lap race run by the pitchers.

"I don't think he would have done that last year and he had a lot left at the end too," D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said. "He's a totally different guy. His body is a bit different. I think he's just worked a lot on his athleticism, he's leaned out, he's changed his diet."

Cahill was tested for food allergies during the offseason and the results convinced him to avoid gluten and dairy products. He also did a little more long-distance running than he had in the past.

"It was tough because I used to be real skinny and had to eat to try and gain weight and so I got used to that," Cahill said. "I was like 6-foot-4, 180 pounds when I was in high school and weak. I was always trying to eat and gain weight and then all of a sudden my metabolism slowed down. Eating Taco Bell five times a week is not good when your metabolism slows down."